As her final act as Mayor of Woking, Cllr Amanda Boote, awarded Jim Allen the prestigious Eminent Citizen award at the annual Mayor-making ceremony (Tuesday 19 May), recognising his exceptional commitment to the Byfleet community.

As a lifelong resident, Jim has dedicated decades of support to the village and has been at the heart of Byfleet Heritage Society since its inception in 1996, serving as Chairman for over 20 years.

He is a talented author and local historian, having published two editions of Byfleet and the Great War. His deep-rooted passion for local history and the railway network has also been valuable to the Society.

Beyond his heritage work, Jim volunteers extensively across Byfleet, including as a Team Leader at the community‑run library and Deputy Churchwarden at St Mary’s Church.

Jim also plays an active role in the ongoing campaign to restore Byfleet’s Victorian fire station for community use.

He has also supported residents through his time as a councillor, having previously served on Byfleet Parish Council.

His commitment to the arts and local culture is equally notable, as a long‑standing member of The Byfleet Players, a former President of Woking Drama Association and a presenter on Brooklands Radio.

This is not Jim’s first recognised achievement, having been awarded the British Empire Medal in 2018 for his service to the community.

Speaking about the award, outgoing Mayor of Woking, Cllr Amanda Boote, said: “It’s an honour to present Jim with the Eminent Citizen Award and recognise his unwavering commitment to his local community.

“Jim has supported Byfleet in so many ways over the years, always giving his time and energy to help others and he is an outstanding member of society.

“I’ve been particularly impressed by his dedication to keeping Byfleet’s history alive, while also supporting a huge range of local groups. I’d like to thank Jim for his dedication to local people and causes.”

• Watch the webcast of the Mayor Making ceremony.